Lamentations 4-5, Song of Solomon 8:8-14, John 7:25-36, 1 Peter 5:8-14

1 Peter 5:8-14:

We come now to Peter’s final instructions to Christians living in a time of “exile.” He is calling them to “stand” on the basis of three spiritual truths which they must remember.

First, remember that you are in a spiritual war and act accordingly. The “devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The reality of the devil’s work is often underplayed and, as often, in other circles, over sensationalized. But the devil is real. He does attack and tempt us. What to do? We must be alert. We must be sober minded – not running into an angry passion. And we must resist him standing firm in the faith. The sort of sufferings that we face are faced by other Christians around the world. Nothing particularly unusual or strange is happening to us. Therefore, stand firm in your faith. And if you resist the devil, he will flee from you.

Second, remember that God’s eternal purpose is certain. After you have suffered a little while, God will restore you. And he has all the power for ever and ever. Nothing can derail God’s purpose. Nothing can thwart his plan.

Third, remember the fellowship of the church and Christian friends. Paul had Silas to help him. Paul was encouraging and testifying to the true grace of God to encourage those to whom he was writing. And the church “in Babylon” (meaning in all likelihood the church in Rome at the time) greeted them – was for them and supported them – as did Mark. Remember also the love and support of each other: Peter encourages them to greet each other with a holy kiss. This was the kiss that was commonly exchanged then between family members. The normal way we greet each other in family in our culture, that is the way we greet each other in church, for we are family, we need each other, we support each other, we look after each other.